check this yard out

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

This past weekend was one of the premier traditional hot rod & custom shows in the US: 9th Lonestar Round Up. There were two coaches present, neither worth posting here.

Took time to network and met some great folks - even couples from Japan and Finland that flew in for the show. One guy not far from me is into old Cadillacs. Stopped and saw a nice original white over light blue '56 Coupe DeVille waiting to be restored, couple '61s...

The most promising invite came from a gentleman with 400 Cadillacs and Buicks from the '50s on his property. He has "at least a couple hearses and several limos". I *seriously* can't wait to visit and am trying to make time this week for the (most likely) two day round trip. Now excuse the poor quality, as I snapped digitally on the spot from a color copy. You get the idea:

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[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/5186/cads4.jpg
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No grand illusions of '59 or '60 hearses, sorry. Not here. But he does sell and the couple prices I asked about were reasonable. So...if you're looking for parts - PM me a list that I'll take with.

Never managed to find these sorts of cool stashes in Ohio!

[Richard Vyse]

Brady Smith, calling Mr. Smith. !!!! Outstanding. :wowguy:

[Donna Cardia]

I think I just died and went to junkyard heaven. LOOK AT ALL THOSE 59s :071:

[Paul Steinberg]

You can't fool me......... that is really Northern Mexico... :14_6_12:

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Ha! I swear this yard is actually in TX. Little over a 5 hour drive from Austin in a direction opposite Mexico. :rofl:

[Josh Gentry]

I think I just died and went to junkyard heaven. LOOK AT ALL THOSE 59s :071: Amen, Cadillac heaven for sure. God I wish I would have kept my 56 coupe deville. I've tried to buy it back 4 or 5 times. Never sell a car to a friend. Kent Martainson is the only friend who has ever sold one back to me. :D

Josh

[Mike Stevens]

Attila,
Thanks for sharing the pictures. I spied a mid 50s Buick convertible and what looked like the roof line of a series 75 Cadillac limo. The limo roof line might be a 59 but they were the same I think through 62. Maybe I should move to Houston with my daughter.
Any 63 or 64 Cadillacs in the mix?
Thanks again for sharing,
Mike

:thankyou2:

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

I only asked about professional cars. This is what he recalled off the top of his head:

'51 and '61 hearses.

Good '58, '61, '62, and '63 limos. Additional '61 and '64 parts limos. :smileTEXAS:

[Kevin Lynch]

I think I needed a warning that the photos would be quite graphic and disturbing. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[Donna Cardia]

Amen, Cadillac heaven for sure. God I wish I would have kept my 56 coupe deville. I've tried to buy it back 4 or 5 times. Never sell a car to a friend. Kent Martainson is the only friend who has ever sold one back to me. :D

Josh

funny you mention that, I have a 56 caddy coupe deville

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Arrangements have been made for a Mon-Tues trip next week. The cars are spread between 3 properties, primarily:

1. '59s
2. other '50s Cadillacs
3. "oddball" '50s Buicks, Chryslers, Imperials, etc.

To give an idea of price - I was quoted $150 for a set of '57 quarters. Granted, the bottoms are rotted but I only need from the waistline up. Hella good deal for a set of undamaged fins!

On the phone the guy remembered having a '55 or '56 hearse there too. Same guy sold a '59 Superior 3-way in '02 with rotted floors, good body, for $1500.

Can hardly wait to soak in the ambiance. :thumb:

[Bruce Osborne]

Brings tears to my eyes

[Nicholas Yassan]

I would love to hear more about this guy, I have 3 '59s and 4 '60s which could use some parts from the pile!! Does he have a buisness set up to sell parts or did he just hold onto things like I do?

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Just walked in the door from the promised land~

Allow overnight to charge batteries - myself, camera, and phone. (Okay, the last was a joke that none are privy to. Need to keep laughing at a debilitating debacle.) Over 500 pics taken and I skipped the bulk of 4 doors this trip. :smiley3:

Updaticus Maximus tomorrow.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Arriving first and being antsy led me to climb a security fence and peer over barbed wire for an initial peek. This is not and has never been a business! Simply amazing. I love these types of guys.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/2549/dsc00026p.jpg

Easy to spot a '61 Series 75 limo parts car off the bat. Yes, the windshield is still good - along with dozens of other parts. In the back right corner, you may spot a camper. I was already cringing - yet excited at the same time.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5205/dsc00028f.jpg

Sweeping to the left, more of the almost 400 cars on this property (the 1st of 3) become viewable. Roughly 25% are housed indoors here.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/6162/dsc00027mh.jpg

Cadillacs comprise 85% +/-.

[Keith Snyder]

Really cool. Thanks for posting these pictures.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Collecting has been a passion for the owner since the '80s. Every last male in his family has died via heart attack before a certain age. He maybe has 3-4 years left. For this reason, he's now willing to start selling - which is perfect for the rest of us! Immensely private and not wanting to deal with the public, we went over several options. The primary goal is to grossly decrease the number of cars before passing. Thus leaving his wife a headache, who would then in turn call an auction company and settle for 15 cents on the dollar after fees and taxes on capital gains. The trade off is selling things reasonably - which he is willing to do. I'll list prices in For Sale and not here on those received.

By his count, he has 25 or so nice builders. By my count (coming from the rust belt), there are at least 100. Needing floor work doesn't automatically make something a parts car! Keep in mind there are hundreds of parts cars.

Ready for the first procar?

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/4899/dsc00045oc.jpg

Any guesses yet? Here is another hint:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9417/dsc00044rm.jpg

Okay okay already!

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/2875/dsc00283k.jpg
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2797/dsc00284v.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/4932/dsc00277qr.jpg

Sure, it looks pretty crusty but in actuality not as rough as it comes across. Rockers are 75% there. Rest of body is workable. Not like military ambulances fall out of trees and this '51 is worth saving.

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Something looked peculiar to me about the lines. I didn't figure out exactly what was off until hours after leaving. Anyone picking up on the same..?

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More stenciling on dash. Should have wiped the decades of dust off in retrospect.

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No treasure under the side door. Stop smirking. You would have looked too. Ha.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

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Never grow old of seeing those deco blank off plates. A hint of why the body lines looked funky is hidden in this shot.

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So basic; spartan. Attendants seats folded down to face each other.

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At this point I must interject that none will have an opportunity to add this unit. Sadly, it has sold within the last month and is awaiting being picked up.

As eluded to, the odd factor hit me hours later when scrolling through pictures taken at a dinner break. I assumed this was made by Superior. WRONG!!!

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/2699/dsc00285bjb.jpg

Learn something new every day. That explains the higher roof and side body door above the waistline. Who honestly can admit to knowing Miller built military ambulances???

This is where Steve Lichtman will chime in, furthering my education. Thanks in advance for helping me grow.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

This poor '61 Superior Royale limo style endloader will most likely never see the road again. Although there is a matching front clip on the '61 limo about 1000' away, the likelihood of them coming together is....well, a buyer would have to be pretty hard up to have this exact style.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/189/dsc00271pa.jpg
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What is left is not a rotted carcass. Isn't saying much really. Wedged into a corner, better shots weren't possible.

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[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/3433/dsc00270kp.jpg

Didn't bother inquiring about price.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5324/dsc00275l.jpg

There are dozens of good parts left though - like the corner windows and Superior moldings, which should interchange with '62. Somehow neglected to take a picture of the 1 year only rear bumper. Sorry.

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[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

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Distinct mixed feeling here. Once the initial rage wore down, I realized this Superior conversion wasn't in terrible shape. Actually getting over the hump to appreciate it for what it is though isn't easy, admittedly.

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/5962/dsc00269ls.jpg

This was actually used up until the late-'90s. After raping the headlight surrounds that were perfect, the owner decided to not take any more parts off. Wouldn't take much to get it going again.

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[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/2055/dsc00265ff.jpg
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Keys still in the ignition.

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Actually stood in the camper to soak in the ambiance. Again it wasn't until later that I realized the camera didn't leave my pocket. I thought pictures had been snapped of the wood-grained decor.

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'58 Chevy taillights are a nice period touch.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

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'67 S&S Victoria endloader.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8629/dsc00392g.jpg

Missing some important items; drivetrain and gas tank. Windshield is broken too.

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Rear bumper full of dings/dents. Front bumper/bumper ends/grill perfect. This coach isn't rotted. There wasn't rot found under where the vinyl top used to be either, although the poorly leaded seems between panels are now readily visible.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6933/dsc00391r.jpg

The ideal home for this would be someone who has a rotted '65-'68 S&S to use as a donor.

[Todd Merrifield]

Does anybody else only get one-inch strips for pictures? I can't get any of these pages to load completely. Rest of the internet is working fine for me...

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Guess Imageshack is acting up.

Pictures have been uploaded to an album (http://img204.imageshack.us/g/dsc00391r.jpg/) there. Should help if not loading properly here. Apologies for the glitch.

And yes - I'm uploading many limos currently!

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Had been looking forward to seeing this '58 limo. I knew beforehand that the rear frame had some rust; the worst issue. By the time I finally arrived, this car had also sold - part of a 3 car deal along with a '55 convertible and an Eldorado coupe. Glad I got to see this '58 before a transporter carried it off out of state.

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It sold cheap. Another one already went to Finland.

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[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9868/dsc00232p.jpg

This '61 parts limo is still loaded with quality items. Who needs a '59-'64 commercial windshield??? Front clip is interchangeable with '62 procars as well, although trim holes are different.

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[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

This '61 limo is in really good shape!

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4135/dsc00310en.jpg

Perfect candidate for a detailing.

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Owner says it runs perfectly. Passenger front tire won't hold air. Swap tire with another on property and drive it home - anywhere in the US. Sounded like a bit of a stretch so I called the owner out. Heh. His response?

"Well, if you don't mind stopping with the emergency brake. The car will make it!"

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/8996/dsc00315b.jpg

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Mike or Danny...it is whispering to you.

[Danny Ryder]

This '61 limo is in really good shape!

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4135/dsc00310en.jpg

Perfect candidate for a detailing.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3415/dsc00314rd.jpg

Owner says it runs perfectly. Passenger front tire won't hold air. Swap tire with another on property and drive it home - anywhere in the US. Sounded like a bit of a stretch so I called the owner out. Heh. His response?

"Well, if you don't mind stopping with the emergency brake. The car will make it!"

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/8996/dsc00315b.jpg

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/6387/dsc00321r.jpg

Mike or Danny...it is whispering to you.

I love it! I can't get over how much stuff you find, do you never sleep? My step son is moving in a few weeks to Tyler Tx so maybe he can help me get some of these sweet rides.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Raise your hand if you're enjoying IDing schtuff in the background of all these pics too. An eagle eye may catch a glimpse of a '59 Eldorado Brougham. Yes - you read that correctly.

Here is another sweet original limo, from '63. Spent its entire life in Lubbock, TX from new.

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6446/dsc00157hu.jpg

Runs beautifully - although the alternator bearing are dry and whirl. How is this not begging for a more deserving home? The lower bumper ends are *perfect*. Anyone that has owned a '63-'64 knows how weighted that statement is!

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[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

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Few items not seen are located in trunk - like driver's door panel, lower steering wheel surround, etc.

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[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

This '72 limo is one of a very few non-fin cars. It came as part of a multi-car purchase a couple years ago.

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Really pretty decent shape. Like most, it would benefit from a detailing. Hardcore.

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This one is the cheapest of the remaining limos.

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Love the black brocade interior.

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[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

One of the purposes of the roadtrip was to score a set of '57 fins reasonably. Doing grunt work? Not a problem.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/5451/dsc00211v.jpg

Not intending to gloat. Rather, I somehow neglected while experiencing sensory overload for 2 days there to look at/snap pics of the black '62 limo under cover behind me. This is the best I can currently do.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9762/dsc00219mc.jpg

My own friggin' camera betrayed me by adding 15 pounds. Ha.

[Steve Lichtman]

Learn something new every day. That explains the higher roof and side body door above the waistline. Who honestly can admit to knowing Miller built military ambulances???

This is where Steve Lichtman will chime in, furthering my education. Thanks in advance for helping me grow.Steve chiming in. See, you do learn something new every day! I do. Various coachbuilders had military ambulance contracts in different years, even including Henney!

The camera added 15 pounds to.....the car???

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Ready for some fun shots?

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ANYONE looking for parts or a non-procar project from '48-'64 should drop me a note. I'll let you know specifically what is there. '48-'49 Sedanettes? Around 14, mainly Series 62. Cadillac Coupe DeVilles from '55-57? About 10 builders. Convertibles? '48, '49, '55, '60, '61, '63, & '64 Cadillac - '53 Buick Skylarks - '60 LeSabre - '59 Lincoln Mk 4s... Couple dozen Chryslers from '57-'61 too, mostly good solid builders. Throw in about 20 '50s Buicks. You're starting to get an idea.

BONUS!

To keep this post procar related, here is a little story and a lead.

In '02 or '03, the owner of all these cars sold a '59 Superior Crown Royale Landaulet to a FD named George Christie (sic) in Houston, TX. This white coach was all original, having clicked a mere 26k miles. An uncle or grandfather of the person he purchased it from (in another multi-car deal) bought the Superior new. That person grew up working at the family funeral home, then later went on to purchase his own, and bought the '59. He owned it about 20 years, using it for special services periodically, and only put 2-3k miles on it during ownership.

George Christie went on to paint the top behind the crown black. He fell out of contact a few years back. Has this coach shown with the PCS? Or at the very least, are you familiar with this Crown, Brady?

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Returning to this wonderful stash Tuesday, June 8. Already have a significant parts list from a couple non-procar sites. Who here is in need???

Calling for 102 degrees, yet exuberance overrides temperature. Plus I'm able to take more pictures. :smileTEXAS:

[Jim Tighe]

Is the '59 Eldo Brougham even remotely salvageable? Since there were only 99 of those ( plus the one that sank, of course, ) that would be a prize to "bring back," but would cost a bloody fortune to do so. The '59 and '60 EB's are a world unto themselves, much as the Duesenbergs are: horribly expensive when new, all coach-built, very rare, and full of more quirks than a convention of Pro Car people. Quite a yard full of iron you found there.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

'61 in the rain after driving it around a couple days ago.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9388/dsc01629ji.jpg

PCS member Nicholas Yassan flew in and cherry picked parts.

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Here he is packing them into the new acquisition. Look at those 9' long commercial chassis rocker stainless pieces he snagged!

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Really had a blast with his visit. More of you should consider it. I'm next returning on July 19 for another parts run.